A perfect blend of beauty and resilience! And a rare find! New This Week March 9, 2026 Shrub of the Week: Desert Orchid 'El Nino' A perfect blend of beauty and resilience! And a rare find! Do you want to: ...attract more hummingbirds and butterflies? ...bring colorful, fragrant blooms into your garden spring through summer (rebloomer!)? ...plant a shrub that is low-maintenance, deer-resistant, and drought-tolerant? ...add a new specimen to your landscape that will be a conversation starter and the envy of all your neighbors? If you answered “Yes!” then let me introduce you to the x Chitalpa - Desert Orchid ‘El Niño!’ Chitalpas are a rare hybrid between two different native North American trees: Southern catalpa ( Catalpa bignonioides ) and desert willow ( Chilopsis linearis ). The name “chitalpa” is nothogeneric, or a combination of two parents’ names. The first hybridization of the two took place in the 1960s in Uzbekistan, and the first introduction of Chitalpa in the United States wasn’t until the 1980s. Since then, the Chitalpa has only had a few varieties introduced and remained a rare find. After two decades of research, North Carolina State University’s Mountain Crop Improvement Lab * released ‘El Niño’ in 2023. ‘El Niño’ was selected for superior performance in drought and heat tolerance, repeat blooming of pink-violet flowers on new growth, and a compact growing habit. This showstopper of a shrub grows fast, re-blooms throughout the summer season (it may take a couple years to establish before blooming), and handles both dry and moist soils. With our fickle weather of warm, wet, dry, hot, etc. it’s comforting to know there’s a plant that can handle it all. Photo credit: Proven Winners: https://www.provenwinnerscolorchoice.com/product/el-nino-desert-orchid/ Desert Orchid ‘El Niño’ x Chitalpa Family: Catalpa and Chilopsis are both in the Bignoniaceae family. This family is named after Jean-Paul Bignon a French royal librarian from the 17 th century. Plants in this family are widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions and often have large, showy, bell-shaped flowers. This family is also known as the trumpetvine family. Native Range: Both parent lineages of the Chitalpa are native to North America. Southern catalpa is found in our Southeastern U.S. region growing along wet areas. Desert willow is native to the arid regions of Southwestern U.S. x Chitalpa ‘El Niño’ was developed in Mills River at the Mountain Crop Improvement Lab. Fun Fact: The orchid-like flowers have a fragrance similar to a mix of vanilla and ripe melon. The showy blooms attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Growing Conditions: Soil: Can tolerate a range of soils, both dry and moist conditions Sunlight: Full to part sun Height/Width: 10-15’ tall and 8-10 wide Zones: 6-9 *If you’re not familiar with Mountain Crop Improvement Lab, they’re located nearby in Mills River – you can check out their work here: https://mcilab.cals.ncsu.edu/ We offer many plants that were bred by Mountain Crop Improvement Lab and we will highlight some of the ones we offer here at the greenhouse and why they’re an improvement in a later post.

New This Week April 12, 2026 Remembering Susie Painter We are so very sorry to share the news of the loss of Susie Painter. If not for Susie and Stephen, none of us would have this beautiful home away from home. Susie worked hard alongside Stephen, with help from their son Zach and many other family members over the years to build Painters from the ground up, and when our family purchased it in 2010, it already had a large following of faithful customers. We hope it brought her some comfort in her final weeks to know her vision continues to grow and bloom and bring joy to so many--she had a lot to be proud of! We hope that these photos of Susie over the years at Painters will bring a smile to the faces of all who knew her.

Plant Spotlight March 26th-30th New This Week March 24, 2025 Hydrangea paniculata ‘Phantom’ Plant Spotlight March 26th-30th One of the most winter hardy of hydrangeas, the 'Phantom' panicle hydrangea is a great choice for many of our mountain micro-climates. It is a vigorous, fast growing, and low maintenance shrub. But the true reason folks adore this plant is the monstrous blooms! This shrub has some of the largest flower heads of its species--up to 15 inches! These huge cone-shaped blooms start out white in mid-summer and mature to pink in the fall. Even better, because it has been cultivated for its sturdy and straight stems, 'Phantoms' are not prone to flopping under the weight of those mighty blooms! Type: Deciduous shrub USDA Growing Zones: 3-8 Sun Exposure: Full sun-part shade Size: 6-10' tall and wide Soil Needs: Thrives in rich, well-drained soil Care: Blooms on new wood so prune as needed in late winter-early spring Define your garden with this lovely statement plant or plant en masse for a stunning effect! Gigantic blooms in a Painters staff member garden Read more about hydrangeas at Painters: selecting, care, pruning, fertilizing and more!

Late Figwort New This Week June 8, 2026 Pollinator Plant Spotlight Late Figwort Late Figwort (aka Simpson’s Honeyplant) Scrophularia marilandica The saying “good things come in small packages” doesn’t relate to the size of late figwort, but it does relate to the blooms! While the plant can stretch up to 10 feet tall (though average height is 4-5 feet) the clusters of blooms are so small you’d barely notice them. If you grab a hand lens on a sunny day you can truly appreciate the small jewel-like flowers ranging in color from yellow, green, purple, brown, maroon and even bright red. It’s what’s on the inside of the bloom that has Xerces Society list figwort as one of the top 100 best plants to feed the bees . According to Xerces Society, figworts are some of the most prolific nectar producers in the plant kingdom and is a high valued late-summer food source for pollinators. While blooming June through September you will see a variety of pollinators visiting—native bees, wasps (especially beneficial predatory wasps), butterflies, and hummingbirds. The sugar content of figwort’s nectar measures between 18-35%! The nectar is secreted into two drops at the base of the flower’s ovary. When a pollinator laps up the nectar, the nectar drops reappear only moments later. This all-you-can-eat buffet for pollinators had beekeepers thrilled in the late 1880s when an Illinois beekeeper James A. Simpson wrote about using S. marilandica as bee pasturage and it was noted a single acre of late figwort could produce 400 to 800 pounds of honey that was prized for being light, clear, and aromatic. Not only does late figwort have the abundance of nectar, but it’s also a plant that can tolerate a wide range of soil and sunlight conditions. Late figwort can handle up to 70% shade to full sun, and enjoys moist soil, but can tolerate dry, well-drained soil. This perennial returns year after year from thickened underground roots and does not become weedy in the garden. The acrid foliage makes late figwort deer and rabbit resistant. This is an all-in-one pollinator plant! Family: Figwort (Scrophulariaceae) family includes a range of small herbs to shrubs. Species in this family feature tube-shaped flowers highly adapted to pollinators. Notable members of the family include butterfly bushes, foxgloves, and mulleins. Name: The family’s Latin name originates from the one-time use of this family for scrofula, a bacterial infection in the lymph nodes of the neck. In the 16 th and 17 th centuries, the Doctrine of Signatures was popular – the philosophical concept which claims a plant or animal’s appearance can be used as clues to their medicinal uses. Now comes the stretch…some species of Scrophularia had swollen roots that looked like figs (fruit), figs resembled hemorrhoids, so the plant was believed to cure hemorrhoids, hence the common name. Today scrofulous means morally corrupt. I’m starting to like the common name “Simpson’s Honeyplant” much more! Native Range: Native to Quebec and west to Minnesota, south to Florida and west to Texas. It is found in our mountains of North Carolina. Fun Fact: Flowers are protogynous meaning its female reproductive parts mature before its male parts. This mechanism ensures cross-fertilization by allowing the flower to receive pollen from another plant before releasing its own pollen. Growing Conditions: Soil: Does best in fertile, moist, sandy loam but is adaptable if the soil is well-drained. Does well along the margins of streams, ponds, and woodlands. Sunlight: Prefers partial shade, but will also tolerate full sun. Height/Width: It will grow 4-10 feet tall and 3-6 feet wide. Zones: 4-8 References: https://xerces.org/blog/plants-for-pollinators-figwort https://www.honeybeesuite.com/fun-with-figworts-the-sticky-scrophularia/ www.honeybeesuite.com Figworts and their sweet surprise: a treasure trove of nectar - Honey Bee Suite According to the Xerces Society, figworts are some of the most prolific nectar producers in the plant kingdom, attracting many pollinators.

Why a Butterfly Bush isn't as sweet as it seems... New This Week May 19, 2025 Plant This, Not That! Why a Butterfly Bush isn't as sweet as it seems... Butterfly Bush Buddleja davidii (or Buddleia davidii ) Who doesn't want a plant called a Butterfly Bush!? Such savvy marketing leads us astray! Maybe you love Butterfly Bushes for their shape and color and their interesting blooms. Or maybe you love them for their drought tolerance and easy care. Or maybe you really love them because you really love butterflies! (I’m betting this is our main camp!) So why would we ever ask you to NOT plant that next butterfly bush? This one is a hard one! Butterfly bushes are such pretty plants. We love pretty plants! ( Have you SEEN our Instagram feed!?! ) Wandering through our many growing spaces at Painters, one could even presume that pretty is our only game. 😀 But in the many years we’ve been growing and selling plants, we learn more and more the importance of beneficial alongside beauty. We want to appreciate and support diverse wildlife alongside an aesthetically beautiful natural space. And frankly, it’s an easy thing to do once you realize how many plants are both beautiful AND beneficial! Butterfly bushes are undeniably attractive to butterflies with their abundant nectar. They draw adult butterflies with their flower spikes, but butterfly species need resources in all stages of life. Native to China, butterfly bush is not a host plant for any native North American butterfly caterpillars, meaning they cannot use it as a food source. Without caterpillars, there will be no adult butterflies. Also without caterpillars, birds will not survive. The last thing any of us intended when planting that pretty butterfly bush is a decline of local butterfly and bird populations, but that could be an indirect result. While the nectar may feed adults, their young need food too. Buddleia can inadvertently disrupt local ecosystems in other ways too. Each of their many flower spikes can produce up to 40,000 tiny dust-like seeds. Add wind and water and this non-native, easy-to-grow plant becomes quite prolific. Sometimes spreading into edge habitats and outcompeting native plants that our local butterflies and other pollinators rely on for food and shelter throughout their entire life cycle–not just for nectar. By choosing native alternatives, we can offer a more comprehensive and sustainable support system for our local butterfly populations and contribute to the overall health and biodiversity of our WNC environment. There are many stunning native flowering plants that are just as enticing to butterflies and play a critical role in our local food web. Let’s give you some great alternatives! You can create a haven for local butterflies and other pollinators by selecting a native flowering shrub that thrives in your specific site. For sunny locations, Sweet Pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia ) and Virginia Sweetspire ( Itea virginica ) are beautiful and beneficial options. If you have wetter soil, Buttonbush ( Cephalanthus occidentalis ) is a great choice with incredibly fun blooms that support a multitude of moths and bees as well as butterflies, as is New Jersey Tea ( Ceanothus americanus ) with its large, airy blooms that are highly beneficial to a range of pollinators. If you are seeking drought tolerant plants that are easy care and you're especially tied to the blue color of many butterfly bushes, Bluebeard ( Caryopteris ) and Lilac Chaste Tree ( Vitex ) are pollinator magnets that perform in dry heat. While not native, and therefore not providing food for caterpillars, they are not invasive and therefore shouldn't push out native food sources. If you choose either of these, we recommend planting a variety of native food sources nearby to ensure caterpillars have needed support (such as the above native shrubs, native hibiscus, Pussy Willow, Joe-Pye, asters and goldenrod). You can also attract and feed a multitude of butterflies by planting drifts of tall perennials such as Anise Hyssop ( Agastache ), Blazing Star ( Liatris ), various Joe-Pye Weed species ( Eutrochium ), and different milkweed species ( Asclepias, etc ). We specifically love the Anise Hyssop because of its gorgeous spike blooms similar to the Butterfly Bush and how full and large it grows during the season. Anise Hyssop

Locally Made and Now For Sale at Painters New This Week May 25, 2026 BioCHAR for Your Plants AND the Planet! Locally Made and Now For Sale at Painters Have you ever heard of Biochar? Maybe. Have you ever found it for sale? Unlikely. BioCHAR is known to some for its gardening benefits, but it can be very hard to come by - especially 100% true bioCHAR. We were recently approached by Suncrest Mulch Yard with their new bioCHAR product, and we are really excited to be the first retailer selling it! So, what is Biochar? Biochar is based off Terra Preta, a dark, fertile soil that was created by indigenous peoples thousands of years ago in South America, and which still remains highly fertile today. Modern biochar is made from a wide variety of organic materials such as agricultural waste, plant residues, wood, bone, etc., and is created via mechanical pyrolysis. Using the heat released by gas combustion, it is cooked at temps between 840-1200F and the finished product can be created in just minutes to hours. Rather than contribute to climate warming, biochar production produces beneficial gasses and acts as a carbon sink, meaning it absorbs excess carbon dioxide and thereby helps to slow climate change. AND, this carbon sequestration can last for over 1,000 years! So, how is it different from charcoal? Charcoal is typically made from wood products, cane sugar, peat, coconut or petroleum. It can be made in a chimney or woodstove by burning wood with minimal to no oxygen at a temp of around 750deg for long periods, or by a more modern pyrolysis method. It is primarily used for cooking, heating, and water filtration, but is not beneficial for garden use and depending on ingredients may even be harmful. Additionally, the creation of charcoal produces gasses that increase atmospheric carbon dioxide - unfortunately adding to the greenhouse effect. So, what's the big deal? We are thrilled to offer Suncrest’s biochar at Painters for your potted plants and gardens! Suncrest biochar is created from sustainably sourced wood, including reclaimed timber downed during Hurricane Helene . Using this wood decreases the risk of forest fires in WNC while creating an amazing environmental product. This may be hard to wrap your head around, but biochar is very porous and has a massive surface area… a few ounces of biochar can have the internal surface area of a football field! How cool would it be to say this product is improving your houseplants and gardens while also benefitting the planet for centuries to come? Garden Benefits: Adding biochar to your soil increases porosity , allowing for increased aeration and easier root penetration, and the large surface area means plenty of room for housing beneficial microbes. Biochar acts like a magnet for macro and micronutrients , making them easily accessible for plants that need them. It also acts like a sponge, significantly increasing the water holding capacity of your soil . It can help with erosion by promoting stable soil aggregates, level your soil pH (biochar is naturally alkaline), and perhaps most importantly, trap and lock away harmful toxins and heavy metals, thereby keeping your soils and plants cleaner. And best of all… biochar requires a one-time application–the benefits will last way longer than you’ll be around! How to use Biochar at home: Biochar works best when ‘activated’ - meaning mixing it into soil or a compost mix and watering it thoroughly. For potted plants, simply mix biochar into the soil at a ratio of 1 part biochar to 9 parts soil and water it in well. For gardens, simply sprinkle the biochar over the soil evenly, mixing it into the top 2-6” of soil with a rake, then water in well to help the soil settle and activate the biochar. 1cf bag of Suncrest Biochar covers about 8-10 sq ft. Suncrest Biochar - 1 bagged cf (comes with instructions)

Give the gift that keeps on growing! New This Week December 12, 2023 Need a gift idea? Give the gift that keeps on growing! Whether someone loves grand gestures or simple delights, plants are always the perfect present. For a tangible gift, physical gift cards are ready for purchase during our open hours. Need something sooner than that? Our digital gift certificates can be bought online 24/7 and delivered straight to your inbox (or theirs). No matter the occasion or recipient, a Painters gift card is the perfect present for your plant-loving loved one.

Five New and Unique Trees/Shrubs that We Can't Stop Raving About! New This Week September 2, 2025 Plant Sneak Peek Five New and Unique Trees/Shrubs that We Can't Stop Raving About! If you’re an avid gardener that has seen it all and planted it all, and you’re just looking for the I-can’t-live-without-it specimens then this list is for you! I love when customers ask, “What are YOU most excited about this year? What do you have that’s different/unique?” Well here you have it! (and honestly this is just a list of the trees and shrubs I’ve ordered in because I wanted them for my yard, too!) Hop-tree Ptelea trifoliata A native understory tree in the citrus family that can tolerate wet soil conditions. All parts are aromatic, nectar in blooms attract butterflies, ornamental fruits, and exceptional leaves in threes (but not poison ivy ). Deciduous small tree/large shrub. Redbud ‘Carolina Sweetheart’ and Redbud ‘Flame Thrower’ Cercis canadensis We’ve sold ‘Flame Thrower’ before, but we are thrilled we were able to order such a large quantity of each for fall season! Both varieties have distinct coloration on the leaves. Carolina Sweetheart has white variegated leaf margins and Flame Thrower has a stunning gradation of leaf colors as the leaves emerge in spring. Deciduous tree. Japanese Cedar ‘Rasen Sugi’ Cryptomeria japonica Definitely a twisted specimen plant with extraordinary curled needles and gyrating habit, all turning in a counterclockwise direction! This tree is the most remarkable offering we’ll have this season, in my opinion--a showstopper for sure. Evergreen tree. Seven-Sons Flower Heptacodium miconioides Fragrant blooms in late summer/fall (blooming now), fountain-shaped habit with striped, arching stems–similar appearance to crape myrtle. Name comes from flowers blooming in clusters of seven. Deciduous shrub. Japanese Black Pine Pinus thunbergii Often used in bonsai or in Japanese gardens. Irregular, twisting growth habit a will mature to have a flat-top and drooping branches. A specimen in Japanese gardens, or as a bonsai. We will have Japanese Black Pines available in 1 gallons and 3 gallons. Evergreen tree. For sizes, prices, and current stock, see our Tree and Shrub Availability Page: https://www.paintersgreenhouse.com/tree-shrub-availability

Bursting with color and exuding a cheerful charm, Zinnias are a popular choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners. New This Week June 13, 2023 Plant of the Week: Zinnias Bursting with color and exuding a cheerful charm, Zinnias are a popular choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners. With their stunning array of blooms in shades of red, orange, yellow, pink, and more, these annual flowers bring a delightful touch of summer to any garden and also make for beautiful cut flowers. From compact varieties perfect for containers to towering cultivars for eye-catching borders, there's a Zinnia for every space! Zinnias are truly one of the most colorful, long-blooming annuals you can add to your garden. They come in endless colors, patterns and shapes. Zinnias thrive in full sun, with adequate air flow (super damp summers can cause some mildew issues). Make sure to wait to sow or plant until the soil warms up, as they need heat. Profuse bloomers, often a healthy plant will bloom from late spring up until frost if deadheaded and fertilized occasionally. To be sure you have zinnias in full bloom the whole season, you can sow or plant a second batch mid-summer to extend and improve the bloom period. As part of the Asteraceae family of composite flowers (which includes sunflowers, coneflowers, daisies and more), Zinnias are beloved by bees, butterflies, moths and hoverflies. While they are not native plants, these annuals provide additional nectar to pollinators looking for food, especially in later months or periods between various native blooms. We highly recommend mixing them in with your milkweed, salvia, asters, goldenrod, joe pye, agastache, verbena and other pollinator supporting plants! The most beloved by pollinators are the single-flowering, and especially the taller cultivars such as Benary's Giants. We currently are sold out of the giants, but do have several beautiful colors of disease resistant, single-blooming zinnias available. Bees cannot see red, but will still be attracted to red or orange zinnias, likely because they are attracted to the ultraviolet markings on the petals. Many flowers have UV pigments on their petals that are invisible to the human eye, but that seem to be designed to attract pollinators - highlighting where the nectar (and pollen) can be found. Try this at home! You can find an ultraviolet flashlight for $20, and have hours of fun in the dark getting a glimpse at what the world looks like to many pollinators and other creatures that see this spectrum! The Owens recently did this, but unfortunately only had a cellphone to document this zinnia glowing with UV at the center.

We found a collapsed hummingbird at the greenhouse on Monday New This Week June 6, 2022 Hummingbird Rescue We found a collapsed hummingbird at the greenhouse on Monday A staff member found a collapsed hummingbird in our soil room on Monday. It appeared to be in shock from lack of food. We quickly mixed together some sugar water to feed it. Before long the bird was back on its feet and in the air within minutes! it definitely put smiles on our team's faces and was a great way to start the week! https://video.wixstatic.com/video/a514f4_8ac1c1e67b7b4eeea864766a70c80c21/720p/mp4/file.mp4

Honeybee Helper and All-Around Supportive Shrub New This Week April 14, 2025 Plant of the Week: Winterberry Honeybee Helper and All-Around Supportive Shrub Given its common name, this seems like an odd plant to be featuring in April! But winterberry is an extremely beneficial plant for honeybees and other pollinators, providing both nectar and pollen in late spring to early summer. Ilex verticillata , or Winterberry, is a slow growing native deciduous holly. The common name refers to the red berries that mature in the fall, providing winter color in the garden and food for birds and small mammals. To produce berries, the plant must be properly cross-pollinated with a male and a female plant. You need at least one male plant for every 10 females, roughly; and these the pollinator plants should be within a reasonable distance of each other ( less than 50 feet away or so). Photo credit: CC-BY-SA-3.0 , Self-published work , Photographs by Fritz Flohr Reynolds But this is the time of year for the (itty bitty) flowers! Winterberry flowers are bee-pollinated, meaning bees and other insects help transfer pollen from male to female flowers. The almost inconspicuous greenish-white flowers provide nectar and pollen, which are essential food sources for native bees, honeybees, and other pollinators. Winterberry is an excellent hedge with year-round visual interest. It works well in a variety of soils, but thrives in moist, acidic soils. It is tolerant of shaping, but keep in mind that the flowers appear on new growth so prune in early spring before new growth arrives to still provide for the bees! Winterberry 'Southern Gentleman' Ilex verticillata 'Southern Gentleman' NATIVAR deciduous shrub (z3-9) part-full sun 6-10' tall and wide Ideal background shrub; thrives in moist, acidic soil, tolerant of wet, boggy conditions Chief male pollinator for female varieties (e.g., Sparkleberry and Winter Red); plant 1 male for every 10 females Winterberry 'Sparkleberry' Ilex serrata x verticillata 'Sparkleberry' Deciduous shrub (z5-9) full sun-part shade 6-10' tall and wide Hybrid female cultivar with dense, heavy fruiting Requires a male for berry production (e.g., Southern Gentleman) Foliage turns yellow-bronze in fall, dazzling winter berries feed the birds Resistant to deer and fire Winterberry in winter!

Two of our absolute favorite tender perennials for fall color and pollinator support New This Week October 10, 2022 Plant of the Week: Pineapple & Mexican Bush Sage Two of our absolute favorite tender perennials for fall color and pollinator support Two of our absolute favorites for fall color and pollinator support! Mexican Bush Sage is most popular amongst the bees, and Pineapple Sage is a hummingbird magnet, though many other pollinators visit them as well! You can’t beat this incredible show of color and profuse blooms in the fall when so many other things are on their way out. These are both tender perennials in our area, though the Pineapple Sage is a bit tougher… we recommend planting in a sunny spot with some wind protection or near a building for extra warmth during winter. These are both great cut flowers as well- the Mexican Bush Sage lasts well over a week in water, and also does well dried! Pineapple Sage Come load up on these beauties!

It's shady business this week as we highlight two shade-loving shrubs that are ON SALE this week! New This Week May 18, 2022 Shrubs of the Week: Variegated Winter Daphne and Sweet Box It's shady business this week as we highlight two shade-loving shrubs that are ON SALE this week! It's shady business this week as we highlight two shade-loving shrubs that are ON SALE this week! Even better, they're both broadleaf evergreens and have fragrant blooms. We'd like to honor those gardens that most gardeners feel are "limited" due to less sun exposure. (Next week we'll highlight a couple of full sun loving shrubs, because those of use with full sun can feel limited too!) Variegated Winter Daphne - White or Pink Blooming ( Daphne odora aureo-marginata) (Pictured above) Winter Daphne is highly regarded for its strong scent - possibly the most delightful scent of any flower! This shrub blooms in late winter (late February and March) along the terminal stems. This particular variety has variegated leaves - yellow margins along the green leaves. This shrub would do best planted under a small deciduous tree where it is provided with shade in the hot summer months, but allowed to stand out in a winter landscape. Plant in an area where everyone can enjoy the fragrance. Mature height and width 4-5' in a loose mounding appearance / zones 7-9 / deer resistant. Daphne makes a great addition to a winter garden, but do note this shrub can be a bit challenging to grow if you're not aware of a few of its care needs: 1) Daphne does not tolerate soils with poor drainage...we're looking at you, clay soils! Root rot diseases associated with poorly drained soils are likely the major cause of failure in the landscape. Ideally, plant in well-drained woodland soil with plenty of humus or plant in a slightly raised bed with amended soil to ensure adequate drainage. 2) While Winter Daphne can tolerate full sun, it prefers a protected area providing moderate shade. 3) Avoid pruning - Daphne does not heal well from cuts into mature wood, so it's best to avoid pruning. However, "pinching" or taking cuttings from the slender tips of long shoots on current year's growth can make the plant fuller and promote heavier blooming. Available in 3 gallon pots for $30 (was originally $40) Sweet Box (photo: Missouri Botanic Gardens) Sweet Box ( Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis ) Sweet box is a slow growing evergreen shrub that forms a colony by spreading through underground stems. This is a dwarf variety and is often used as a high ground cover as it only reaches 1-2' tall and 3-4' wide. Sweet Box is a very tough and adaptable plant! It can tolerate deep, deep shade and even dry soils. It prefers slightly acidic, rich, moist soils that are well-drained. If the soil is very moist, Sweet Box can handle a little more sun. Inconspicuous blooms in early spring (mid-March) are white and fragrant. Great evergreen foliage with a contrasting light green on the underside of the leaves. Works well in a woodland garden or near shady entryways. Hardy in zones 6-9. Available in 6" pots for $8 (was originally $12)

New Varieties for Living Walls New This Week March 23, 2026 Evergreen Shrubs Designed for Shade New Varieties for Living Walls While we always maintain a broad selection of evergreens for year-round structure and privacy, finding the perfect match for a shady corner can be a challenge. At Painters, we’re here to help! Alongside our dependable (and gorgeous!) staples like all the varieties of rhododendron, camellia, and pieris we carry, we’ve curated a collection of unique, shade-tolerant finds. This season, we’re especially excited to debut several varieties that go beyond our traditional lineup—perfect for adding a fresh look to your lower-light landscape. Hong Kong Rose 'Scarlet Bells' This rare and unique relative of witch hazel is adorned with abundant dangling clusters of lovely pink bell-shaped blooms from late winter to early spring--when little else is flowering. It's truly a sight to behold!! Rhodoleia henryi 'Scarlet Bells' Evergreen tree (z7-9) part shade Slow growing to 15' tall Thrives in rich, moist, acidic, well-drained soil with protection from hot afternoon sun Aka evergreen rose hazel Aucuba japonica 'Rozannie' This self-fertile fruiting cultivar with shiny, bright red berries that last throughout the winter months is reminiscent of holly. Additionally it has small red-purple flowers that bloom in spring. Its glossy green foliage is a great accompaniment to the more commonly known Aucuba japonica 'Mr. Goldstrike' --also available at Painters now--whose golden variegation lights up shady spots. Both varieties shown in photo. Evergreen shrub (z6-10) part-full shade 3-5' tall and wide Thrives in moist, well-drained soil with protection from hot afternoon sun and strong winds; drought tolerant once established Aka Japanese laurel Cherry Laurel 'Chestnut Hill' This tight, compact evergreen shrub takes very well to pruning and makes an excellent, easy-care low hedge. The fragrant white flowers in spring attract butterflies and showy black fruits attract birds--a super supportive and lovely living hedge. Prunus laurocerasus 'Chestnut Hill' Evergreen shrub (z6-9) part sun 4' tall and wide Disease resistant Cherry Laurel 'Napoleon' This cultivar is tiny but mighty with a dense, rounded habit and abundant, fragrant, pure white blooms in spring. Easy to care for, it would be a great low-maintenance hedge, foundation planting, or container shrub. Prunus laurocerasus 'Gajo Napoleon™' Evergreen shrub (z6-8) full sun-full shade 3' tall and wide Deer resistant, easy care Thrives in well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established As always, find prices, sizes, and current availability on our website. We just received a lovely delivery of shrubs from our friends at Big Frog Nursery including restocks as well as new for the season. The evergreens especially are looking great - some excellent options for privacy screening in sun as well as part shade! Check out the availability here: www.paintersgreenhouse.com Tree & Shrub Availability List | Painters Greenhouse Weekly updated inventory of Painters Greenhouse trees and shrubs, including perennial edibles and fruits. The list can be sorted by common or botanical name, quantity, price, size or department. General growing characteristics and native/nativar classifications are included.

Beautiful, Beneficial Blooms for Summer and Fall New This Week June 20, 2024 Hip! Hip! Rudbeckia! Beautiful, Beneficial Blooms for Summer and Fall Hip Hip Hooray! Hip Hip! Rudbeckia! We all cheer for this reliable plant. Butterflies, bees, birds, and all of us at Painters! Rudbeckia is such a happy, cheery plant. Its famous daisy-shaped blooms are so long lasting and it is a pure delight as a cut flower. It makes a stunning large planting by itself or in the background of perennial beds. The flowers attract pollinators and the seedheads attract birds. Plus, in the fall we leave the seedheads in our gardens as wildlife food, artful winter interest, AND for self-seeding next year’s crop! The genus Rudbeckia is comprised of 20 or so species of annuals, biennials, and perennials. We have five species and several varieties in a range of colors, heights, and habits here at Painters. Find your favorite bit of cheer! Rudbeckia subtomentosa, ‘Little Henry’ NATIVAR perennial (z4-8) Full sun, 3' tall, 2' wide Quilled golden blooms all summer; excellent cut flower – Plus these tubular petals are as beneficial to pollinators as the salvias we just featured last week! Compact, clump-forming habit Low maintenance, drought tolerant, deer resistant Rudbeckia triloba (or Brown-Eyed Susan) NATIVE biennial (z4-8) Full sun, 2-3' tall, 1-2' wide Bright yellow blooms with brown centers; slightly smaller than Black-Eyed Susan but more profuse Thrives in rich, moist, well-drained soil; readily self-seeds to return year after year Rudbeckia triloba ‘Prairie Glow’ NATIVAR biennial (z4-8) Full sun, 3-4' tall, 18-24'' wide Vibrant red-orange petals accented by gold tips Bushy, sturdy, well-branched habit Readily self-seeds to return year after year 'Prairie Glow' self-sows readily, an advantage with this stunning biennial Rudbeckia fulgida var. Sullivantii ‘Goldsturm RS’ NATIVAR perennial (z3-9) Full sun, 18-24'' tall and wide Golden flowers with distinct dark brown centers bloom summer-frost Long-lived and easy to grow One of the most popular perennials in cultivation; pollinators and birds love it too! Rudbeckia fulgida ‘American Gold Rush’ (limited stock) NATIVAR perennial (z4-9) Full sun, 1-2' tall and wide Bright yellow blooms midsummer through fall Fantastic for pollinators; seeds provide food for birds Compact habit; robust, low maintenance, disease resistant Rudbeckia laciniata – Sochan (or Cut-Leaf Coneflower) NATIVE perennial (z4-9) Full sun-part shade, 3-10' tall, 1-3' wide Aka sochan or tall coneflower, an extremely vigorous, wondrous plant, revered for its many uses, edible and medicinal Evergreen basal leaves make an attractive winter groundcover; fantastic for people and wildlife! Rudbeckia Hirta: Tender perennial, biennial, or annual? This particular rudbeckia species is wide-ranging and can be hard to pin down: https://www.wildflower.org/expert/show.php?id=5095v Because we can’t guarantee it will perform as a perennial, we are selling them to you as annuals. Seed-sown in January, and treated with such care by our growers here at Painters, they are looking amazing. We have the straight species and seven varieties of gorgeous! Rudbeckia hirta, ‘Autumn Colors’ NATIVAR annual (short-lived perennial z3-9) Full sun, 18-24'' tall and wide Stunning, large (5'') summer blooms in shades of yellow, orange, red, and brown May endure a few winters and will readily self-seed; attractive seed heads in winter provide food for birds Lovely large (5'') flowers in stunning shades of yellow, orange, red and brown Rudbeckia hirta, ‘Cappuccino’ NATIVAR annual (z3-8) Full sun, 18-20'' tall, 12-16'' wide Huge (4'') red-orange summer blooms with dark centers Beneficial for pollinators and birds May survive a few winters and self-seed to return year after year Rudbeckia hirta, ‘Cherokee Sunset’ NATIVAR annual (short-lived perennial z5-9) Full sun, 2-3' tall, 1-2' wide Impressive flowers in a bright mix of yellow, orange, mahogany, and bronze bloom early summer to frost May endure a few winters and will readily self-seed; excellent cut flower and great for wildlife Short-lived, but likely to return year after year through self-seeding Rudbeckia hirta, ‘Cherry Brandy‘ NATIVAR annual (short-lived perennial z5-8) Full sun, 1-2' tall and wide Large, deep maroon flowers with a dark chocolate cone; stunning and unique May survive a few winters and will readily self-seed Blooms all summer; seeds feed birds in winter Rudbeckia hirta, ‘Prairie Sun’ NATIVAR annual (z3-8) Full sun, 18-24'' tall and wide Green-eyed blooms are buttery orange, tipped with yellow Long flowering season, good for pollinators and birds May survive a few winters and self-seed to return year after year Rudbeckia hirta, ‘Chocolate Orange’ NATIVAR annual Full sun, 2-3' tall, 1-2' wide Abundant, large, two-toned blooms summer to frost; excellent long-lasting cut flower May survive a few winters; readily self-seeds Blooms make excellent long-lasting cut flowers; seeds provide bird food and visual interest in winter Rudbeckia hirta, ‘Denver Daisy’ NATIVAR annual (short-lived perennial z3-9) Full sun, 1-2' tall and wide Large golden flowers with mahogany centers bloom early summer to frost May survive a few winters and will readily self-seed Beautiful cut flower; excellent wildlife value Likely to return year after year by self-seeding; great for birds and pollinators. Rudbeckia hirta (Straight Species) NATIVE annual (z3-9) Full sun, 18-24'' tall and wide Bright yellow summer flowers with a distinctive dark eye Sturdy, upright form; long-blooming Attractive black seedheads feed birds in winter; short-lived, but freely self-seeds AND DO REMEMBER: if you cut off your seed heads tidying up, not only will you be limiting bird lunch, but you won’t get seeds to self-sow for next year’s plants!